BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE HATHA YOGA
This class is in various positions: sitting on floor, lying on back or on stomach, all fours, standing, and balancing. You will need a sticky mat and bare feet. Blanket, blocks, strap can be provided. A temporary mat is available on your first visit, if you do not know what a sticky mat looks/feels like. Class duration is 1 hr 30 minutes. Beginner classes contain the following elements: centering, breathing, postural alignment, warm-up poses and stretches, strength/flexibility poses, balance poses, relaxation poses, focus/meditation exercise. Optimal clothing is somewhat clingy and very stretchy. Class is barefoot for safety. Please do not wear perfume or perfumed body lotions, as they cause respiratory and sinus irritation for some class members. Beginners may start on any class date. More challenging activities are threaded into the class as the class gains experience.
CHAIR YOGA
This class is performed mainly sitting in a straight chair, but a portion of the class is in standing, using the chair for support. Bare feet or sticky-bottom socks should be worn during the standing portion of the class for safety. No mat is required. Straps and blocks provided. Class duration is 60 minutes. Chair Yoga classes contain the following elements: centering, breathing, postural alignment, warm-up poses and stretches, strength and flexibility poses, balance poses, relaxation poses, focus/meditation exercise. Optimal clothing is stretchy, but does not need to be clingy. This class is recommended for persons with lower tolerance for exercise, inability to get self on/off floor independently and safely, various joint problems or joint replacements, chronic conditions. This class is designed for persons who are able to stand with light chairback support for short periods at least. There are two 2-4 inch thresholds to traverse to enter the building and class. There are no steps/stairs to climb. Please do not wear perfume or perfumed body lotions, as they cause respiratory and sinus irritation for some class members. Beginners may start on any class date.
TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS
This class is performed in standing and lasts 60 minutes. There are chairs available if student becomes fatigued and needs to rest. Students will be moving slowly for most of the class, with resting breaks in standing (or sitting if necessary). Appropriate attire is loose clothing and comfortable shoes (sandals not recommended). Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) was derived from Sun Style tai chi. The slowness of the movement develops improved balance skills, and the sequential and detailed nature of the movement develops focus and full attention to the present moment. Regular practice of Tai Chi produces increased strength, flexibility, and fluidity of movement, decreased pain and improved balance/decreased risk of falls. Other benefits of tai chi will be covered in class. Classes designed by Dr. Paul Lam. Please avoid wearing perfume or perfumed body lotions, as they cause respiratory and sinus irritation for some class members. Call 419-822-8333 to find out when the next class series begins. There is a Part 2 for Tai Chi for Arthritis, if the student wishes to learn additional forms to lengthen the series or prepare for transition to Sun Style 73 Forms class.
Regarding Tai Chi for Arthritis I and II, the class content builds on previous learning, so check/call to see when a new series is beginning.
TAI CHI SUN STYLE 73 FORMS
Prerequisite: Tai Chi for Arthritis I and II.
Tai Chi is performed in standing and lasts one hour. Sun 73 Forms, while requiring more strength and range of motion than Tai Chi for Arthritis, is still characterized by agile steps with smooth and flowing movements. The stance is relatively higher than other tai chi styles, and it was created by Sun Lu-tang. It is lengthy and more complex than Tai Chi for Arthritis. It generally takes months to learn the 73 forms. Regular practice develops internal energy, enhancing healing and relaxation. New students will be integrated into the existing class.